"Just change the belt for me." That's how most phone calls start. But here's the thing, my friend: the timing belt system is much more than just a belt. In the photo, you can see the genuine kit we fit to TDI engines. Every part in that box has a job to do, and it's there for a reason. I want to show you exactly what you're getting with a 2.0 TDI timing belt kit and why we shouldn't leave a single part out.
What's included in a 2.0 TDI timing belt kit?
- Timing belt — a reinforced rubber belt that keeps the crankshaft and camshaft perfectly in sync.
- Tensioner pulley — keeps the belt at the correct tension at all times.
- Idler pulleys — guide the belt so it runs exactly where it should.
- Water pump — on many TDI engines, it's driven by the same timing belt.
- New bolts and seals — some bolts are single-use and must never be fitted again.
Why do we replace the water pump with the timing belt?
The water pump sits behind the timing belt cover and is driven by the belt. Now imagine we replace everything but decide to leave the old pump in place. A year later, it starts leaking. What happens next? We have to take the cover off again and strip everything down all over again. And you're paying a second time for labour you've already paid for. But there's something worse. If the pump leaks, coolant can get onto your brand-new timing belt and damage it. That's why at Das Auto Service, we replace the water pump along with the timing belt. The labour is almost the same, and we eliminate the risk of that old pump leaking afterwards.
Why do I insist on a genuine timing belt kit?
A genuine kit is made specifically for your engine. The belt has the correct tooth profile and material, the pulleys have the right bearings, and the water pump has the correct impeller. With cheap kits, we often come across weaker pulley bearings and plastic pump impellers that can break. And do you know what happens when a timing belt snaps on a TDI? The valves hit the pistons. Suddenly, we're talking about a major engine repair. And the worst part? You're the one paying for that mistake out of your own pocket, not the garage. So I'm telling you this as a friend: saving a little on the kit that your entire engine depends on simply isn't worth it.
How do we replace the timing belt at Das Auto Service?
- We lock the crankshaft and camshaft in position using special tools to keep the timing perfectly aligned.
- We remove the old belt, pulleys and water pump.
- We thoroughly clean the area and fit the new parts with new bolts.
- We tighten everything with a torque wrench to the exact specified torque.
- We turn the engine over by hand several times and check the timing again to make sure everything is perfectly aligned.
- We fill the system with fresh coolant and bleed any air out of the cooling system.
Don't try to save money by keeping the old water pump or pulleys. If one of them fails, it could snap the belt. And instead of a timing belt replacement, you'll be looking at a cylinder head repair. That costs many times more than the entire kit. And my friend, you're the one who ends up paying the bill.
What happens to the coolant after the replacement?
When we replace the water pump, we drain the coolant. Then we fill the system with fresh, genuine coolant rather than pouring the old stuff back in. That way, your cooling system starts off with clean fluid. And there's something else I want you to remember: coolant should be changed every third heating season. Old coolant can cause tiny pits of corrosion in the aluminium engine block. And believe me, that's not something you want to discover when it's already causing trouble.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Write down the mileage and date when your timing belt was replaced, and keep the invoice. If you ever decide to sell the car, this will be one of the first things a potential buyer asks you about.
Not sure when your car's timing belt was last replaced? Come and see us at Das Auto Service. We'll check the service history and tell you whether it's time for a new kit. I'd much rather we check it in good time than have you find out it should have been replaced only after the belt has snapped.
The solution in our shop
Genuine VAG G12evo coolant G12E050A2 1.0 l
Genuine G12evo coolant, which we use after replacing the timing belt and water pump.
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Frequently asked questions
Should the water pump be replaced with the timing belt?
Yes, always when it's driven by the timing belt. The labour is almost the same, and you won't have to worry about the old pump developing a leak after the replacement.
Can I replace just the timing belt?
I wouldn't recommend it. The tensioner, idler pulleys and water pump have covered exactly the same mileage as the old belt. If any of them fails, the belt could snap. And that little saving could end up costing you a fortune.
What coolant do you use after replacing the timing belt?
Fresh, genuine coolant that meets your engine's specification. We never pour the old coolant we've drained out back into the system.